Military Backpack

Just ordered this unit as a backpack and potential camping/overnight bag for my new to me VFR. Not sure if it will fit on the back seat/cowl with tie downs, but will let you know soon.

Edited 8.23.2010

Finally got to do the pics. The pack works pretty nicely as a $75 piece of luggage.

As you can see I have done this on the cheap. The bag itself is infact 2 bags, a 30 liter back pack with a waist strap and center strap. It's pretty comfortable as a back pack on the bike, but works even better on the back.

As this is military spec bag, you can add an tie anything onto it. I am in the process of putting straps on the back and will tighen to the molle clips making taking it off an on a 1 minute versus 5 minute exercise.

The second bag will either clip over the tie downs, but I have been using it as a very small shoulder pack which I keep maps/wallet and other stuff needed in a quick stop.

With the seat cowl on, I used an bag cover to keep from getting the cowl and back tupperware scratched. I may end up putting some velcro on this to keep it firm, but once the tie downs are in place, no movement at all.

While this may look somewhat ugly, it has the benefit of being able to travel easily with the contents and it's a big expandable bag. Other neat features include:

- Hydration section for your camelback.
- Made of rugged synthetic material to rigid government specifications
- Accepts modular or ALICE Pack components and is hydration system compatible
- Includes one large main compartment with mesh accessory pocket and front zippered compartment with secondary zippered accessory pouch.
- Rubberized waterproof bottom and padded back with breathable mesh backing.
- Adjustable and removable waist belt, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and top carry handle

http://astore.amazon...tail/B001THSUWS


Thoughts so far:

Pluses:

• Works much better than I expected
  
• Carrys a boatload of stuff
  
• I like the stealthy color
  
• Without a tail rack, the load is nicely placed mainly where a passenger might be if I carried such things

Negative:

• Not very elegant
  
• Vertically challenged may have trouble getting a "leg over" Hint: Bend that knee after a long ride to avoid embarassement at the gas station
  
• I really wanted to get the hard bags for this bike, but moucha dollars

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See the updated post with pictures at last!

http://www.vfrdiscus...itary-backpack/

I would consider a few more bungie cords. Looks like it could work loose.

Perhaps a roll or two of Duct Tape.

[image: View Post]Goosechef, on 24 August 2010 - 05:02 PM, said:

I would consider a few more bungie cords. Looks like it could work loose.

Perhaps a roll or two of Duct Tape.


Thank you, I love sarcasm. I guess if I make them black they would be more pleasing to look at, however, when I glance in the mirrors I can see the stuff is still in place with the vibrant colors!

[image: View Post]mikeodial, on 26 July 2010 - 09:05 PM, said:

Just ordered this unit as a backpack and potential camping/overnight bag for my new to me VFR. Not sure if it will fit on the back seat/cowl with tie downs, but will let you know soon.

Edited 8.23.2010

Finally got to do the pics. The pack works pretty nicely as a $75 piece of luggage.

As you can see I have done this on the cheap. The bag itself is infact 2 bags, a 30 liter back pack with a waist strap and center strap. It's pretty comfortable as a back pack on the bike, but works even better on the back.

As this is military spec bag, you can add an tie anything onto it. I am in the process of putting straps on the back and will tighen to the molle clips making taking it off an on a 1 minute versus 5 minute exercise.

The second bag will either clip over the tie downs, but I have been using it as a very small shoulder pack which I keep maps/wallet and other stuff needed in a quick stop.

With the seat cowl on, I used an bag cover to keep from getting the cowl and back tupperware scratched. I may end up putting some velcro on this to keep it firm, but once the tie downs are in place, no movement at all.

While this may look somewhat ugly, it has the benefit of being able to travel easily with the contents and it's a big expandable bag. Other neat features include:

- Hydration section for your camelback.
- Made of rugged synthetic material to rigid government specifications
- Accepts modular or ALICE Pack components and is hydration system compatible
- Includes one large main compartment with mesh accessory pocket and front zippered compartment with secondary zippered accessory pouch.
- Rubberized waterproof bottom and padded back with breathable mesh backing.
- Adjustable and removable waist belt, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and top carry handle

http://astore.amazon...tail/B001THSUWS


Thoughts so far:

Pluses:

• Works much better than I expected
  
• Carrys a boatload of stuff
  
• I like the stealthy color
  
• Without a tail rack, the load is nicely placed mainly where a passenger might be if I carried such things

Negative:

• Not very elegant
  
• Vertically challenged may have trouble getting a "leg over" Hint: Bend that knee after a long ride to avoid embarassement at the gas station
  
• I really wanted to get the hard bags for this bike, but moucha dollars

The bungimonster look does look a bit interesting..............but it won't make for a chic magnet bike anymore.....

Beck
95 VFR

[image: View Post]Beck, on 24 August 2010 - 06:55 PM, said:

[image: View Post]mikeodial, on 26 July 2010 - 09:05 PM, said:

Just ordered this unit as a backpack and potential camping/overnight bag for my new to me VFR. Not sure if it will fit on the back seat/cowl with tie downs, but will let you know soon.

Edited 8.23.2010

Finally got to do the pics. The pack works pretty nicely as a $75 piece of luggage.

As you can see I have done this on the cheap. The bag itself is infact 2 bags, a 30 liter back pack with a waist strap and center strap. It's pretty comfortable as a back pack on the bike, but works even better on the back.

As this is military spec bag, you can add an tie anything onto it. I am in the process of putting straps on the back and will tighen to the molle clips making taking it off an on a 1 minute versus 5 minute exercise.

The second bag will either clip over the tie downs, but I have been using it as a very small shoulder pack which I keep maps/wallet and other stuff needed in a quick stop.

With the seat cowl on, I used an bag cover to keep from getting the cowl and back tupperware scratched. I may end up putting some velcro on this to keep it firm, but once the tie downs are in place, no movement at all.

While this may look somewhat ugly, it has the benefit of being able to travel easily with the contents and it's a big expandable bag. Other neat features include:

- Hydration section for your camelback.
- Made of rugged synthetic material to rigid government specifications
- Accepts modular or ALICE Pack components and is hydration system compatible
- Includes one large main compartment with mesh accessory pocket and front zippered compartment with secondary zippered accessory pouch.
- Rubberized waterproof bottom and padded back with breathable mesh backing.
- Adjustable and removable waist belt, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and top carry handle

http://astore.amazon...tail/B001THSUWS


Thoughts so far:

Pluses:

• Works much better than I expected
  
• Carrys a boatload of stuff
  
• I like the stealthy color
  
• Without a tail rack, the load is nicely placed mainly where a passenger might be if I carried such things

Negative:

• Not very elegant
  
• Vertically challenged may have trouble getting a "leg over" Hint: Bend that knee after a long ride to avoid embarassement at the gas station
  
• I really wanted to get the hard bags for this bike, but moucha dollars

The bungimonster look does look a bit interesting..............but it won't make for a chic magnet bike anymore.....

Beck
95 VFR


OK, I have gone over the top on numbers and colors.... consider it a festival of color and I will do better next time ;-)

You're right about hard bags....they are $$$. Effective but $$$. I would recommend removing the rear cowl for better platform and reduce the damage potential. I've also used a similar set-up with a heavy duty backpack along with a decent sized tank bag and I have enough carrying room for gear that will last a few days. I found a larger cargo style net works better than the bungee cords. The cargo net holds down the pack more evenly and minimizes side-slippage (I had that happen a few times as I rode with bunge cord straps). Thanks and enjoy your new ride!!

Oh yeah....just remembered....a heavy duty trash bag in a side pocket DOES come in handy when you hit some rain. Simply slide it over the bag and tuck it in well and you have your waterproof set up.

I guess my only suggestion with this set up would be to remove the seat cowl as mentioned above. Even "soft" cloth can rub very nasty marks on paint after wiggling back and forth for several hundred miles. Hate to mess up your finish!

[image: View Post]The mailman, on 25 August 2010 - 08:05 AM, said:

I guess my only suggestion with this set up would be to remove the seat cowl as mentioned above. Even "soft" cloth can rub very nasty marks on paint after wiggling back and forth for several hundred miles. Hate to mess up your finish!



Good points from both of you. Will make those changes.

Nicely done IMO. I have a large expandable FirstGear tailbag I use a few times per year, and it gets fastened down with green bungees. Doesn't look the best, but it stays put.

[image: View Post]The mailman, on 25 August 2010 - 08:05 AM, said:

I guess my only suggestion with this set up would be to remove the seat cowl as mentioned above. Even "soft" cloth can rub very nasty marks on paint after wiggling back and forth for several hundred miles. Hate to mess up your finish!

+1. Keep in mind the paint will also rub off of the tip of the rear cowl/rear tip of the bike, above the taillight. You can put a layer of cheap foam rubber between the cowl and your pack to help prevent it from happening.

[image: View Post]TimC, on 25 August 2010 - 09:31 AM, said:

Nicely done IMO. I have a large expandable FirstGear tailbag I use a few times per year, and it gets fastened down with green bungees. Doesn't look the best, but it stays put.

[image: View Post]The mailman, on 25 August 2010 - 08:05 AM, said:

I guess my only suggestion with this set up would be to remove the seat cowl as mentioned above. Even "soft" cloth can rub very nasty marks on paint after wiggling back and forth for several hundred miles. Hate to mess up your finish!

+1. Keep in mind the paint will also rub off of the tip of the rear cowl/rear tip of the bike, above the taillight. You can put a layer of cheap foam rubber between the cowl and your pack to help prevent it from happening.



It is not visible in the photos, but I do have a rubber mat from another bag between the backpack and the cowl/tail assembly.

If the budget allows, pick up some ROK straps and you can eliminate all that bungee spaghetti and clutter. ROK straps are excellent and well thought out. Easy on and easy off. Here's a link => ROK

Hey , get a pair of ROK straps! Two of the straps will hold ANYTHING that you can put on your bike and they will not screw up like bungee cords.

+1 on the Rok straps man. I've heard of more than one nasty story about bungies failing and getting wrapped up in chain, wheel, etc. I had a bungie fail (just didn't secure the load properly) on my way home back from a rally this summer and the $10 bungie cost me over $275 in a trashed brand new tent and sleeping pad. Lesson learned...

[image: View Post]2thdr, on 26 August 2010 - 09:21 AM, said:

+1 on the Rok straps man. I've heard of more than one nasty story about bungies failing and getting wrapped up in chain, wheel, etc. I had a bungie fail (just didn't secure the load properly) on my way home back from a rally this summer and the $10 bungie cost me over $275 in a trashed brand new tent and sleeping pad. Lesson learned...


I take note of all the comments. Have ordered the Roks.